A sense of belonging

One of the fundamental needs of humans is to be an accepted, valued, and supported member of a group or a community. This is termed the ‘sense of belonging.’ When this need is met, a person is healthy, mentally strong, emotionally robust, and has self-esteem and motivation in life. Like other physiological needs, this is a basic need; its absence leads to loneliness. The Bible teaches that humans are created in the image of God. Hence, being relational is obvious, as the triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is always in fellowship with one another.

A Child of God Those who receive the Lord Jesus Christ as saviour and Lord become children of God. (John 1:12) Paul writes that they are adopted into the Family of God. (Ephesians 1:5) This is the ultimate, eternal identity and reality. This identity is not like temporal identities, based on language, culture, caste, clan, nationality… that would perish at any time or at the time of a person’s death.

Body of Christ Believers belong to one another in the Body of Christ as all walk in the light. (I John 1:7) It involves sharing lives, carrying the burden of one another, learning together the Apostolic teaching, and practising hospitality. Having fellowship with other believers provides encouragement, empowerment, and motivation, and enables believers to do great things for the Lord as God’s Kingdom citizens. Prayer is another privilege of believers; they come together for the Nation, Church, Global Mission, intercede for the unreached, and for the needs of one another. Believers share the vision of reaching the unreached, which gives a noble purpose for life.

Discipleship and Mentorship The local church provides opportunities to grow as witnessing disciples and missional ambassadors of the Lord. Learning and practising the biblical truth as a group or a community helps to spiritually mature. Those who are spiritually mature mentor the newer disciples. Some mentors provide professional coaching to young people to help them establish themselves in their careers or business.